Ayodhya verdict: UP Police ask jail authorities to keep eye on inmates

The Uttar Pradesh Police on Friday, November 8, asked all jail officers and staff to keep a vigilant eye on inmates to ensure that no incident of communal violence occurs in jails after the Supreme Court verdict in the Ayodhya case. The Supreme Court is all set to deliver its much-awaited verdict in the Ayodhya title suit case on Saturday at 10.30 am.

"Keep a vigilant eye on the reaction of the inmates and ensure that there is no communal strife/violence in jails," DGP and Inspector General (Prison) Anand Kumar said in a communique to the officers. It said, "Strict vigil should be maintained and stern action be ensured against such elements lodged in jails who attempt to spread communal disharmony." 

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The state police chief asked officers to be alert and keep a constant touch with the district administration for any support if required. Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), prohibiting unlawful assembly has been imposed across the entire state of Uttar Pradesh. 

Security arrangements

Ahead of the verdict, security in Ayodhya has been beefed up. So far, 18,000 police officers, 3,000 state Rapid Action Force staff and 4,000 Central forces have been deployed in Ayodhya to maintain law and order. Sources suggest that the forces have been directed by the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure that nobody is allowed to spread any communal message, including political and religious leaders within the State.

READ | Ayodhya Case Verdict: Security Arrangements Set Up By The UP Govt

According to sources, the Chief Secretary and the UP DGP will be on ground zero to monitor the situation. The District Magistrate will be taking an hourly update directly from the Chief Minister's Office. The affected district and the neighbouring 3 districts will be in a lockdown position. Moreover, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will remain in a 'ready to move' position. Apart from this, 9 helicopters have been arranged for urgent movement basis while 3 separate choppers will be made available for aerial monitoring. Drones will also be used in sensitive areas to monitor any spurious activity.

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(with ANI inputs)